Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi on Friday launched the inaugural Namibia Space Science and Technology Policy aimed at advancing the country’s development of space science capacity.

Speaking at the launch in the capital, Kandjii-Murangi said Namibia has a suitable environment for space science and technology projects that include clear and open skies, appropriate weather conditions free from extreme natural disasters, a peaceful environment and open policy to collaborations with scientists and academics in the field.

“It’s an opportune moment for Namibia to start the process of positioning itself in global partnerships to achieve greatness in using space science and technology. The use of space science and technology has immense benefits to a country’s development as well as the fact that space technologies have become increasingly applicable and relevant for the provision of services to the Namibian people,” she said.

She added that aside from strengthening communication, it could also assist in the provision of education to people residing in remote areas for disaster management, urban planning and even the protection of the country’s Exclusive Economic Zones and Air Space. The benefit of using outer space include weather monitoring, agriculture, environmental protection and natural resources management.

Deputy Minister, Veno Kauaria said another area of space science that is of great interest to Namibia is astronomy, which is able to make great contributions to formal and informal science education.

“That can be used to inspire the youth to take up more STEM subjects by raising awareness of the importance of science,” Kauaria said.

Source: Namibia Press Agency